Brees apologizes for 'weapons of mass destruction' analogy

Drew Brees was just trying to make a point in the seemingly interminable bounty saga between the NFL and his team, the New Orleans Saints.

But after comparing the league's investigation and its purported findings to a hunt for "weapons of mass destruction" Monday while his suspended current and former teammates were appealing their punishments, he's backtracked.

"My WMD comment has nothing to do with politics or our brave military. Merely an analogy to show how media influences public perception ... I apologize if the WMD comment offended anyone. Especially our military. There is no one I respect more than our service men and women"

Brees, a veteran of USO tours to the Persian Gulf for military personnel, further clarified his comments in a text message to ESPN's Ed Werder, writing:

"My comments about 'weapons of mass destruction' had nothing to do with politics or war. I have an extreme respect for our military and have not nor will I ever compare football to war. They are the soldiers, they risk their lives, they defend our freedom and make this world a safer place.

"I was merely drawing an analogy to explain how a media campaign can strongly influence public perception. I apologize if i offended anyone. This bounty allegation is a serious matter that affects the lives and careers of a lot of people and the integrity of the game. We need to make sure the process is fair and correct and that the truth is revealed rather than predetermined conclusions."

It's the latest chapter of what's surely been a frustrating offseason for Brees. He's spoken out before against the NFL's investigative process while watching his peers and head coach receive lengthy bans. And, of course, the rec0rd-setting passer is still waiting for the Saints to provide him with a new multi-year contract to his liking rather than play under the one-year franchise tag.

Credit Brees for continuing to engage his fans and offer his perspective. And credit him for apologizing for a misstep that nearly any high-profile luminary could make under such circumstances.

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About Nate Davis

Nate Davis is a reporter, blogger and editor who's been at USA TODAY since 2000. He has covered the NFL since 2005. No, he did not play quarterback for Ball State. Davis' succession of our esteemed colleague Sean Leahy at The Huddle is considered a Brady-for-Bledsoe swap by most "insiders."More about Nate